strive to

USAGE SUMMARY

"strive to" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to indicate that someone is attempting to do something or reach a goal. For example: "We should strive to be better tomorrow than we were today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We strive to get better".

The New York Times - Sports

"Strive to underpromise and overdeliver".

The New York Times

CENTRAL bankers ordinarily strive to be boring.

The Economist

We hope both strive to do better.

The New York Times

Most colleges strive to achieve two goals.

The New York Times

"I really strive to be daring.

The New York Times

We all strive to be happy.

The New York Times

We also strive to be impartial.

The New York Times - Magazine

Obama will strive to be above that.

The New York Times

All governments strive to answer such questions.

The Economist

"I strive to replicate this level".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strive to" when you want to convey a sense of earnest and sustained effort towards achieving a goal. It suggests more dedication than simply "try to".

Common error

Avoid using "strive to" in very casual contexts. Opt for simpler phrases like "try to" or "aim to" in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive to" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating an intention or goal. It connects a subject with an action they are diligently attempting to perform, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strive to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a determined effort towards achieving a goal. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming its wide acceptance in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Science and Wiki, highlighting its versatility. While "strive to" is generally appropriate for formal and semi-formal settings, remember to adjust your language to suit your audience and avoid sounding overly stilted in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "endeavor to" or "seek to" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavor to

A more formal synonym, suggesting a serious or determined effort.

seek to

Focuses on the act of searching or pursuing a specific outcome.

aim to

Highlights the setting of a target or objective.

attempt to

Emphasizes the act of trying, regardless of the outcome.

try to

A more informal and general way of expressing an effort.

work towards

Implies a sustained effort over time to achieve a goal.

aspire to

Highlights a strong desire or ambition to achieve something great.

make an effort to

Emphasizes the exertion of energy and resources.

make every effort to

Highlights that all possible avenues are being explored.

set out to

Implies a deliberate and planned beginning to achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "strive to" in a sentence?

"Strive to" is used to express a determined effort to achieve something. For instance, "We should "strive to" improve our communication skills."

What are some alternatives to "strive to"?

Some alternatives include "endeavor to", "seek to", or "aim to". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "strive to"?

"Strive to" is appropriate in formal and semi-formal contexts where you want to emphasize a dedicated and sustained effort. It is less suitable for very casual conversations.

What's the difference between "try to" and "strive to"?

"Strive to" implies a greater level of commitment and effort than "try to". While "try to" suggests a simple attempt, "strive to" indicates a determined and persistent effort towards a goal.